DCF

An unusual decision to put a transgender girl at a Connecticut women’s prison is sparking a heated debate over how to handle a teenager called dangerous by the state but portrayed as vulnerable by her attorney.

A report from the Office of Inspector General says Connecticut’s Department of Children and Families couldn’t prove to federal auditors it performed required background checks for prospective foster or adoptive families whose subsidy payments were claimed for federal reimbursement in 2009 and 2010.

Low-risk and rehabilitated suspects of child abuse and neglect might soon have the opportunity to have their names removed from the state’s database under legislation being considered by the General Assembly.

Officials with the Department of Children and Families say they are finalizing changes that will soon reform how the state’s child welfare agency deals with less serious neglect cases by working more closely with families.